The migration of wild birds this fall has resulted in a return of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or "bird flu" showing up across the prairies.

Producers are encouraged to take active measures by preventing contact between poultry and wild birds, limiting visitors to barns, using barn-specific clothing and footwear, and regularly monitoring birds for signs of illness.

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has had a major impact on the poultry industry with an estimated 1.2 million birds in commercial poultry operations in Alberta being infected.

The CFIA's website on the ongoing status of avian influenza response by province puts the estimated number of birds in flocks impacted in Saskatchewan at 315,000 birds and 35,000 birds in Manitoba.

Alberta is currently dealing with 12 cases, while Manitoba and Saskatchewan each have five. 

Saskatchewan's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Stephanie Smith has issued an Animal Health Order until October 21st prohibiting the movement and participation of birds in shows, auctions, and agricultural fairs, 
as well as any other events where birds would be brought together from multiple locations.

"This order is specifically preventing the transport and comingling of poultry at things like poultry shows and sales. Any of those types of events where we're going to have birds coming from various flocks and coming together in one area and potentially spreading disease. So, the purpose of that is really to try and limit that spread of disease, because if you did have a flock that was infected, you came into contact with a number of others, of course, we're going to see that disease spread and that risk to other flocks."

There's also been numerous detections in wildlife as well with people being encouraged to look at their provincial Ministry of Environment websites, or Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative for more information on wildlife species.